Lucca the Three-Legged Retired Military Dog Has Been Nominated for a Hero Dog Award

Happy Memorial Day, Dogsters! Let's help this soldier dog win a Hero Dog Award.

This Monday's miracle is a very special Monday Miracle, because it's also Memorial Day.

We know we've talked about Lucca before, but we felt she deserved special recognition on today of all days.

Lucca is a nine-year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix. She is now retired after serving in the United States Marine Corps for six years. During her service, Lucca was the victim of an explosion in Afghanistan. She suffered serious burns to her chest and torso, and her left front leg had to be amputated. However, her sacrifice helped spare the lives of the humans on patrol with her, and she was saved after being evacuated immediately. If that doesn't make her a Monday Miracle, we don't know what does!

Her injury occurred in March of last year, but she didn't officially retire until May 2012, when she was adopted by her original handler. In the past year, Lucca has been living the good life as a family pet and as an ambassador for all soldier dogs. She even got to ride on the "Canines With Courage" float in the Rose Parade, debuting a mock-up of the U.S. Military Dog Teams National Monument.

And now Lucca is up for a Hero Dog Award and we could not be more proud of her, but she needs your votes! Click here to cast your vote -- and pass this to all your friends!

Happy Memorial Day, Dogsters, and congrats to Lucca for being our extra special Memorial Day Monday Miracle.

Keep up to date with Lucca at her Facebook page.

Photos via Lucca's Facebook page.

Check out more of our inspirational dogs right here on Dogster:

View the original article here

How Haatchi the Three-Legged Dog Is Helping a Disabled Boy

Seven-year-old Owen Howkins doesn't have to deal with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome by himself.

Like any good best friend, dogs sometimes push us to be stronger people. For one boy, canine support opened up his life to a whole new world. According to the Daily Mail U.K., a seven-year-old child with a fear of leaving the house is starting to take trips outside, thanks to his three-legged dog, Haatchi.

Owen Howkins became fearful of social situations at a young age when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, which made him look different from other kids his age. His anxiety became so severe that the boy started to loathe leaving his English home.

Those with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome experience constantly tense muscles. Will Howkins, Owen's father, thought that finding his son an understanding companion might help relieve Owen's fears. At a local animal rescue center, Will found the perfect candidate in an Anatolian Shepherd named Haatchi.

Haatchi arrived at the rescue center after being tied to some railroad tacks and getting hit by a train. The incident cost the dog his tail and a back leg. Staff at the shelter feared the damaged pup may never find a home due to his disability. Now both Owen and Haatchi have found the perfect friend to help them overcome their challenges.

Owen's family says the the doting dog helps the boy cope with his frequent hospital visits and understand that physical differences don't change how people feel about you.

"Owen used to be scared of strangers but he now wants to talk to everyone about Haatchi and wants to go out all the time to dog shows," said Colleen Howkins, Owen's step-mom, to the Daily Mail U.K. "The difference we see in him can't be put into words."

Haatchi will soon start bringing his healing company to others. The dog recently completed therapy training, so he can visit solider amputees and terminally ill children in hospitals.

Haatchi's wonderful work has earned him an award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a fact Owen is eager to chat about with his new friends.

Photo Credits: All shots via Haatchi's Facebook fan page.

This article first ran on our friend site, Pawnation. See more recent stories from that site:

12 Real Animal Ghost Stories

Stowaway Snake Found Hiding Under Airplane Seat

Custody Battle Brews Over Obie the Obsese Dachshund

View the original article here

Inspirational Rags to Riches Story; A Three-Legged Surf Hero

Onyx learns to surf in a pool at his upscale doggy daycare

The black Lab who stars in this story was found five months ago tied to a wooden post. He had a bloody severed leg. “It looked like it had literally been chopped off by garden shears,” says Daniel Slayton, the Los Angeles-area veterinarian and orthopedic specialist who amputated the dog’s leg, and would end up adopting Onyx. He didn’t know if the dog would survive until surgery because he was so septic and shocky, but this amazing fighter pulled through, and has become an inspiration for so many people.

Onyx is living the good life now, but he’s giving back in spades. He’s training to become a therapy dog, where he will help others — particularly children who have lost limbs — realize that life’s difficulties can be overcome. The video below tells the whole story.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

View the original article here